A federal judge has turned down a request by city of Atlanta attorneys to bar a law school graduate from contacting city officials or members of the City Council while he sues the city.

Atlanta lawyers had argued that Matthew Cardinale’s behavior during the litigation was “harassing” and “unprofessional” and that he should be barred by the State Bar of Georgia’s Rules of Professional Conduct from contacting the city, including employees and council members since they are represented by counsel.